DONALD ADOLPH RYDGREN

Donald Adolph Rydgren, 95, passed away on Thursday, October 26th at Cokesbury Village in Hockessin, Delaware where he had been a resident for 20 years.
Don was born in Wilmington, Delaware. He graduated from Tower Hill School and Cornell University. He worked for DelMarVa Power and Light for 35 years in electrical distribution and long range power systems. With the exception of 1 ½ years, when Don worked at Sylvania Electric in Salem, Massachusetts, he called Wilmington home. Don was a veteran of the Korean War.
Don had a passion for stage lighting and technical work in theatre. He worked on numerous productions at Cornell University. Don co-chaired the Technical Committee of the Brandywiners, LTD where he was a life time member. He produced the first fountain show at Longwood Gardens that was actually timed to the music. Don combined his love for his family, as well as technical/production work, by producing hundreds of family videos that will be forever cherished.
Don served as President of the Lincoln Club and was a member for over 50 years. He was also curator and host of the Lincoln Collection at the University of Delaware for 45 years. Don and his wife Ann enjoyed participating in 27 Earthwatch expeditions.
Don is survived by his three sons Douglas, Richard (Charlene) and Robert (Tina); his sister Doris Lamont; 3 nephews, Bruce, William and Jeff Lamont; and five grandchildren, Maile, Michael, Ian, Cori and Steph. He was preceded in death by his parents, Adolph A. and Edna Rydgren as well as his wife, Ann, who he was married to for 63 years.
Don’s family would also like to send a special thank you to the staff of Vista Hospice Care and the Health Care Center staff at Cokesbury Village for extending such wonderful care and kindness to Don and his family.
A celebration of Don’s life will be held in Saratoga Springs, NY. Friends are invited to send online condolences through McCrery & Harra Funeral Home at: www.mccreryandharra.com